A Review of The Kindle Touch

It comes with a USB port – USB 2.0 (micro-B connector) and a 3.5 mm stereo audio jack and rear mounted speakers. There are no complicated computer system requirements; this is wireless and has no need for a computer to download content.

This is a really good entry-level eReader. It is simple to use and there is help available in the form of a Quick Start Guide (included in the box) and the Kindle User’s Guide (pre-installed on the device.) The Quick Start provided step by step instructions for different activities ranging from connecting to the Wi-Fi to buying and reading books. The documentation is done in a simple, easy to understand manner. For almost any problem you may come across while handling your product, the documentation has the solution.

Having shed its buttons to incorporate the touch screen feature, Kindle touch comes with an array of new and improved features. I can use the X-ray feature to know how many times a particular word appears in a book. If I need the definition of a word? I just hold down on the word and I get the definition from the New Oxford American dictionary in a new window. You can even highlight a text and share it through facebook or twitter.

Resolution

This 6” E Ink display comes with excellent resolution of 600 x 800 pixel at 167 ppi, 16-level grey scale. The high contrast as well as the advanced E Ink technology used makes it my ideal companion when reading in bright sunlight or indoors. The 6” E Ink screen provides me with a reading experience at par with the one while reading from a paper.

The multi-touch feature acts as an excellent interface. Browsing, turning pages, reading, taking quick notes are made easy by the Multi-touch feature. It also supports eight different text sizes and three font styles and offers excellent page-turn rate.

Weight and Size

It weighs in at just 7.5 ounces (213 grams), so it’s light and compact. It is 6.8” x 4.7” x 0.40” in size.

Storage capacity and options

Well, it is smart enough to carry my entire library and then some. I can store up to 3000 books. The internal on device storage available is 4 GB, of which 3 GB is available for storing user’s content.

Battery Life

The Kindle Touch has a very long battery life. Per the specs, it offers two months battery life in a single charge with a half-hour of daily reading with wireless off. I don’t usually read in short bursts like that; I’m more the read-for-hours kinda girl. But I have found that time-wise, the specs are just about right on the money. Obviously, battery life varies based on the wireless usage – downloading, browsing the net etc. It takes a few hours to fully recharge. The USB 2.0 cable that comes with it can be used to charge by connecting it to a computer. There is also a power adapter available but it is sold separately.

Connectivity

It has excellent Wi-Fi connectivity. It supports all Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use 802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n standard with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication or WPS. But you cannot connect to ad-hoc Wi-Fi networks. I have not had any trouble with Wi-Fi. It works flawlessly for me.

Web Browser

The built-in Kindle web browser can be accessed through Wi-Fi. I just want to say that I do not care for this browser at all. In my opinion, it is better to shop the Kindle store directly, not through the browser. The touch feature incorporated by Amazon in this web browser makes navigating through web pages easier than its predecessor. Kindle also has a 3G option which I don’t use.

Warranty & Service options

The Kindle Touch comes with a one year limited warranty and service. It extends to one year from the date of original retail purchase. As per the terms of the warranty, the customer can expect services like repair of the product, replacement of the product or a refund of the entire amount or a part of the amount depending on the nature of the complaint.

For U.S customers, there is a 2-year protection plan. It covers accidental damage due to normal use for two years from the date of original retail purchase and a one year warranty for electrical and mechanical failures. This one year warranty is in addition to the one year already offered by the company to all its customers.

The Kindle Touch is a great, affordably priced ereader with reliable Wi-Fi, is super easy to use and gives me the ability to take my books with me where ever and whenever I go. Love it!